seize

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word seize different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of seize are clutch, grab, grasp, snatch, and take. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible.

seized the suspect

When might clutch be a better fit than seize?

While the synonyms clutch and seize are close in meaning, clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding.

clutching her purse

How are the words grab and snatch related as synonyms of seize?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

When is it sensible to use grasp instead of seize?

The words grasp and seize are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession.

grasp the handle and pull

How do snatch and seize relate to one another?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize.

snatched a doughnut and ran

When could take be used to replace seize?

The words take and seize can be used in similar contexts, but take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control.

take some salad from the bowl

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of seize Last October, while the government was trying to seize the mineral rights to the 79 acres, Kansas Oil Reserve II sold its interest before the government could take possession. Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025 That leaves an opening for other delegations to seize control of the conversation, said David Waskow, director of the World Resources Institute’s International Climate Initiative. Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Eight e-dirt bikes were seized and towed away on the back of a truck, police said. Mark Price, Miami Herald, 13 Aug. 2025 The items were seized in connection with the scandal that broke two years ago: 10 Chinese nationals were charged with laundering approximately $2.3 billion earned from criminal activities abroad. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for seize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize
Verb
  • Trained to understand player context and urgency, these systems ensure that the support is fast, relevant and empathetic.
    Anees Ali Khan, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Veterans understand the weight of our duty: to defend America against all threats to our democracy.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The owner of an ice cream shop was arrested on charges including child pornography after a hidden camera was discovered in the store bathroom, Illinois officials say.
    Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2025
  • As of early Sunday afternoon, Israeli police say 38 protesters had been arrested across the country for disturbing the peace.
    From Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Four prisoners had to take turns using a bunk bed just to grab a few hours of sleep.
    Michael Collins, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
  • But Sunday, unfortunately for him, slipped away quickly as World No. 1 grabbed his fifth season title.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Desert Diamond Arena may confiscate items that could cause danger or disruption or are in breach of building policies.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Police confiscated his firearm, interviewed him, and—on the advice of the Harris County District Attorney's Office—released him without a charge.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • The Charger, previously known for housing V8 engines and pushing some serious power, became an EV in 2024.
    Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • Chicago Sky Operating Chairman Nadia Rawlinson knows there isn’t a singular solution to this problem.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Dunn tried to run away but was apprehended, police said.
    Nino Paoli, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Members of the Norwich Police Department’s Patrol and Detective Divisions worked in conjunction with the Montville Police Department and the Connecticut State Police to identify, track and apprehend the man, Besse said.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • But that’s why the piece decrying a (for now) defunct U.S. Senate bill to sell some of our public lands to the highest bidder caught my eye.
    Joanna Allhands, AZCentral.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Those performances for Santa Fe caught the attention of Fluminense, one of the giants of Brazilian football.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The gaming community was hit with another delay of Grand Theft Auto 6 earlier this year and that means those who were hoping to spend the fall months stealing cars and evading the police are needing something to fill that void.
    Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The Thunder star and Converse stole the show that weekend, making their presence felt all over the city with signage and an epic pop-up that gave fans a first look at the SHAI 001 in person.
    Nick Crain, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seize. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on seize

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